IAF (Infrastructure Acceleration Fund) - Hutt Valley Wastewater and Stormwater Improvements Project

In our application for IAF funding, we proposed to build 3,520 new houses between 2022 and 2035. The modelling was based on the predicted growth in the Hutt Valley floor that would be made possible by the additional capacity created by the stormwater (and wastewater improvements)

The number comprised of 526 public housing dwellings, 255 Papakāinga dwellings, 2,425 lower cost dwellings and 314 other dwellings. The dwellings will be predominantly medium density townhouses and high-density apartments.

Two recent examples of local Wastewater Pump Stations like this project are:

• Taranaki Street Pump Station
• Dixon Street Pump Station
  
  

Note, the Porirua Central Wastewater Storage Facility has also been constructed, however the 7,000m³ storage tank for this facility is significantly larger than the 2,000m³ capacity proposed by IAF.

The stormwater pump station will only operate very intermittently, for a duration of a few hours during large rainstorms. The pumps will be located underground so there will be little noise at the site boundary. There may be electrical noise (humming or similar) from aboveground electrical equipment when the pumps are running. If the decision is made to include a permanent electrical generator, there will be some occasional noise of short duration when this is test-run.

The wastewater pump station will also have pumps and will be located underground so there will be little to no noise at the site boundary. There may be electrical noise (humming or similar) from above ground electrical equipment when the pumps are running.

Any noise emitted from the pump stations will be within the noise thresholds set by the District Plan. This will be considered in more detail in the next stage of design, including the consenting of the pump stations.

The proposed infrastructure includes a pumpstation and storage tank which include pumps powered by electricity, piping, valves, and control systems. Additionally, there will be odour control and ventilation systems, generators, and access points such as loading bays within the site boundary.

The pump station and storage tanks will be a mixture of above-ground and below-ground infrastructure. Above-ground and below-ground will need to be explored as part of detailed design and public engagement process.

Council explored multiple solutions and determined the below-ground option to be a risk, given the proximity to natural aquifer.

Yes, we have established a preliminary route. The team has conducted a multi-criteria assessment (MCA) to evaluate the most feasible options that deliver the best outcomes. This approach ensures we have a viable option that aligns with the project objectives.  
The exact routes and locations for the project are still being determined as part of the detailed design phase. This is expected to be completed in late 2026. Once confirmed, the information will be shared with affected and interested parties.

The exact size and specifications of the infrastructure will be confirmed in the detailed design phase.  The expected size is significant enough to require property acquisition.

Construction will involve activities such as digging in the road reserve, operating machinery, and site work, which will understandably generate some noise. These concerns are being considered as part of the design process and precautions will be taken to prevent this.

These concerns are being considered as part of the design process and precautions will be taken to prevent this.

There is no publicly available modelled house price impact analysis for this project. However, similar projects elsewhere have shown that infrastructure improvements can enhance property values over the long term, especially if they contribute to increased housing supply and resilience.

Hutt City Council needed to complete the multi-criteria assessment (MCA) to understand which options were most feasible and would provide the best outcomes, and identify which landowners would be impacted. This process included consideration of whether the required property would be commercial or residential. Due diligence was completed on the different alternatives.

Wellington Water also went through their own MCA process on the wastewater options.

We are still in the early stages of design. As the design progresses, we will gain a clearer understanding of the potential effects and the associated consenting requirements, including who the affected and interested parties are and how we will engage with property owners in the project area going forward.

The community will have opportunities to provide input as the project moves through the detailed design phase. Regular updates and consultations will be shared through this website and other communication channels.